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Karen Leigh Rasmussen

Feb. 15, 1942 - Nov. 1, 2022

Date of Service: Nov. 8, 2022

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RUPERT – Karen Leigh Hayes Perkins Rasmussen (80) found eternal comfort joining many of her beloved family and our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, in Preston, Idaho. She was born in Montpelier, Idaho, on February 15, 1942, the first of five daughters to Loran A Hayes and Edna Hope Johnson Hayes. She was later joined by four sisters, Nola Rae, Karyl Dene, Diane, and Lorri Kaye.

She grew up in Georgetown, where she enjoyed the friendship and companionship of friends and family. She attended elementary school in Georgetown and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1960.

Karen married VanNess Earley Perkins in February of 1960, to this union came five children, Eric VanNess, Jean Leigh, Gayle, Cathryn, and Keith Ivan. They were divorced in 1979.

Karen moved to Twin Falls and later met Dale W Rasmussen, they were married on August 30, 1984, in Idaho Falls. They moved to Burley and later to Rupert. They combined two families with Dale’s children, Tom and Karla. Dale and Karen were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 15, 1990.

She held many church callings throughout her life, including counselors in the Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, and Sunday School. Dale and Karen held many church callings together, all of which they enjoyed, especially in the Burley Family History Center, helping patrons search their ancestry.

Dale and Karen always enjoyed working together, as they spent several summers working at Lake Walcott State Park.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; her parents; a grandson, Niels Peter Rasmussen; a daughter, Jean Leigh Perkins; a sister, Lorri Kaye Hayes Muir; and her grandparents.

She is survived by her children, Eric (Barbara) of Preston, Idaho, Tom (Denisa) of Romania, Karla (Michael) Hecker of Elk River, Minnesota, Gayle (Joe) Schaeffer of Burley, Idaho, Cathryn Smith of Idaho Falls, and Keith (Jaime) of Declo, Idaho; her sisters, Nola, Karyl, and Diane; 32 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Karen’s life was spent in the service of her family and Heavenly Father. She was a perfect example of perseverance, faithfulness, love, and grace. She will be missed here on earth, but her testimony of eternal families will live on in her posterity.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Rupert 3rd Ward, located at 526 South F St., in Rupert. Burial will follow at Gem Memorial Gardens, in Burley.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, November 7, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, preceding the service at the Church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/A-sJyr2L7KY.

Condolences for Karen Leigh Rasmussen

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Jim and Teresa Edmondson Lewis:

Oh,I just found out.I feel so bad,I hadn't seen her for awhile.Last time I saw her she was shopping with her granddaughter,and she told me her daughter had died since Dale had.We enjoyed visiting Dale and Karen so much.Jim had known Dale at sugar factory.Karen loved books.So sorry for your loss.

From Marcus Harper:

I remember going to her house all the time and picking apples all the time. I remember the advice she would give me on which apples were good, going to wash them, helping her make her pies and cobblers and brownies. I remember going over to mow the lawn for her because she knew that I loved to. I just remember all the fun I would have with her, and it breaks my heart that I can’t be there For the ceremony, but I know that she is in my heart and watching me from above and seeing me accomplish all my goals. She has my prayers, and all my condolences.

From Margarete Seedall:

I will miss my dear friend so much. She always had a smile on her face and good things to say about everyone. Many are the books we shared, read, and talked about and just had such good visits with lots of smiles and laughter. She loved my daughter's Sugar Cookies and we always made sure she had one at every holiday. She loved her family more than words can express and was so loyal to them all. Words cannot express how much I will miss her! She is feeling such happiness now--to be with Dale and Jean and all her family. Rest in peace until we meet again, Dear Friend.

From Diane Bell:

The first time I met Karen she was so welcoming and caring and so excited to meet me. The second time I met her she became family at my brother Joe and Gayle’s wedding. What a beautiful and kind lady. Karen was so excited and happy and couldn’t wait to share her stories. I’m very said the stories won’t be with me but so happy for her the stories are with the family she has missed so much. We never know what’s around the corner. The brief moments we shared will forever leave a print in my life’s journey. I was so blessed to have met her and she will be forever missed. God bless you all, but she will forever be with you. Love you all.

From Tawnya Perkins:

Thanks for being my mother-on-law for 23 years you were the best. You took all my kids in as your own grandchildren we all love you and are going to miss your smiling face.

From Edith Lillywhite:

Saddened to of the passing of cousin, Karen. E what a great reunion with all of her loved ones
Who have gone before. Sending our love
To all left behind until later. David and Edith Lillywhite

From Phil and Marine Cowell:

The world lost a lovely lady...
Prayers to the familt

From vonnie clark:

SAD TO KNOW SHE HAS LEFT US BUT GLAD SHE IS IN A BETTER PLACE AND HAPPY WITH DALE AND OTHER FAMILY. I NOW LIVE IN UTAH AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL AND WILL WATCH IT ON YOU TUBE. KAREN WAS MY VISITING TEACHER AND FRIEND AND SHE HELPED ME THROUGH SOME ROUGH SPOTS IN MY LIFE. I THINK OF HER OFTEN.

From June Potter:

Karen will be greatly missed.

From Keith Perkins:

I gonna miss you momma.

From Lorie casey:

Oh this breaks my heart to hear of her passing. She was the kindness lady ever. So was her husband. Every time we came to church they always came over and said hi. Gonna be greatly missed. Rest in piece Karen. Love you. You were a great friend.

From Maxine Stephenson:

Karen was a beautiful soul inside and out. She always had a smile and a sweet disposition and shared her love. You always left better when visiting with her and no matter her problems she was happy/ I will miss her!

From Misty Gittins :

She was an amazing and sweet lady who adopted me as a granddaughter.

From Allison Anderson (great granddaughter):

Every time I went to grandma's house she always gave me a smile... my mom, nana, and her waited for the day we could do our step stairs picture with me at the top. I love you grandma Rasmussen

From RaeLene Rivard:

Karen was a wonderful and kind soul. With such a special spirit! Enjoyed visiting many times with her over the years at church and as my visiting teacher. She was always so kind and sweet to me. Prayers for peace and comfort.

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